New York State Passes ‘Historic’ Abortion Rights Law

On Tuesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law the Reproductive Health Act. The bill protects women's reproductive rights by ensuring New Yorkers can make personal healthcare decisions and medical professionals can provide crucial services without fear of criminal penalty, officials say. The legislation codifies Roe v. Wade into New York State law.

Cuomo and his supporters believe the bill is important because they are worried Roe vs. Wade may be overturned by the United States Supreme Court.

"In the face of a federal government intent on rolling back Roe v. Wade and women's reproductive rights, I promised that we would pass this critical legislation within the first 30 days of the new session - and we got it done," Cuomo said. "Today we are taking a giant step forward in the hard-fought battle to ensure a woman's right to make her own decisions about her own personal health, including the ability to access an abortion. With the signing of this bill, we are sending a clear message that whatever happens in Washington, women in New York will always have the fundamental right to control their own body."

Cuomo signed the bill after it was approved overwhelmingly by state lawmakers. The Reproductive Health Act amends the public health law, removes restrictions on abortions after 24 weeks if it protects the woman's health or if a fetus isn't viable, decriminalizes access to abortions and protects doctors who perform them.

"Today is an historic day for women in New York, and I'm proud that we are working every day to ensure full equality and safety for women," Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said.